Biology

Physiology

Lucario is a bipedal, jackal-like Pokémon, with fur that is predominantly blue and black. It possesses a short, round spike on the back of each forepaw, in addition to a third on its chest. Lucario's snout and ears are longer than those of its pre-evolution, Riolu. It possesses cream-colored fur on its torso, and blue fur on its thighs that resembles shorts. Like its pre-evolution, Lucario stands on its toes rather than on its entire foot. It has developed four small black appendages on its head, which rise when Lucario reads or manipulates aura.

Gender differences

None.

Special abilities

Lucario are sensitive to a special type of energy called aura. Lucario can study this energy to predict the movements of their opponents and track their quarry. They also have the power to manipulate this energy in an offensive manner, in the form of explosive spheres of aura energy. Lucario can understand human speech, and have been reported to communicate with humans through telepathy.

Behavior

Lucario are considered to be prideful creatures, and are extremely loyal to their Trainers. Lucario also seem to have a natural sense of justice.

Habitat

Lucario usually live deep in mountains very far from people to improve their skills. Therefore, like Milotic and Togekiss, they are some of the rarest non-legendary Pokémon known, and finding a wild Lucario is excruciatingly difficult.

Diet

The Lucario in Lucario and the Mystery of Mew was shown eating Berries and plants, like roses. Lucario has been seen eating chocolate, introduced by Max with it gaining no ill-effects from the theobromine, though not part of its natural diet.

In the anime

Lucario in the anime

Major appearances

Lucario was one of the main Pokémon in Lucario and the Mystery of Mew. He belonged to his Trainer Sir Aaron and was sealed away in his staff for a thousand years. Ash later released him during a festival, and he helped guide him to the Tree of Beginning after Mew teleported Pikachu there. However, he sacrificed himself to save the Tree of Beginning.

This Lucario debuted in Steeling Peace of Mind! at Iron Island. When Ash and his friends traveled there after being contacted by Barry, they found the local Steel-type Pokémon fighting brutally against each other and the other Pokémon on the island. When a crazed Aggron attacked Ash, Riley stepped in and had Lucario attack it with Close Combat. Despite being a Steel type as well, Lucario wasn't immediately affected like the others of its type due to its strong aura.

It is also the only non-legendary Fighting-type whose Special Attack base stat is higher than its Attack base stat.

Origin

Lucario appears to be based on the Egyptian god of funerals, Anubis, who has the head of a jackal. Anubis's role in Egyptian mythology was to judge the hearts of deceased souls based on their actions during life. This resembles Lucario's ability to see a life form's aura. It also seems to be based on an Egyptian boxer. Boxing is a sport that is believed to have origins in Egypt. The markings on Lucario's face resemble a mask.

In other languages

Language

Title

Meaning

Japanese

ルカリオ Lucario

From the reverse of orichalcum (a mythical metal) or oracle (referring to its supernatural abilities involving aura). May also involve lupaster (a subspecies of the Canis aureus), Cairo, pharaoh, or lykos (Greek for wolf).